analyzed: 2023 The BMW X1 is not an experimental vehicle.

The BMW X1 is a compact SUV that provides a tempting entry point into German-made automobiles. Although it is the smallest SUV offered by BMW, it has expanded in size and now provides greater inside space and a slight bulldog attitude. Comparing the X1's smooth and simple exterior design to the flared nostrils of the majority of the current BMW lineup, the X1 has a small square kidney grille.

Under the hood, the X1 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive is now standard. This powertrain provides decent acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 99 mph, but may feel sluggish when asked to make high-speed passes or accelerate uphill, due to some turbo lag. The fuel efficiency of the X1 is 28 mpg combined, which is 2-3 mpg better than the previous all-wheel-drive model.

The X1 offers a smooth and quiet ride in traffic and highway cruising, but the driving dynamics may not be as engaging as some other models. The steering wheel and brake pedal don't offer much feedback and the handling is not as sharp as some other cars in its class. The optional 20-inch summer tires on our test car needed 167 feet to stop from 70 mph and generated 0.86 g of grip on the skidpad.

Inside, the X1's cabin is well-crafted and modern, making good use of texture and color to add interest to swaths of plastic. The door panels in particular are appealing, with tweedy-patterned speaker grilles and an interesting door handle design. The console offers a lower shelf space, but it's not easy to access with a larger handbag. The cupholders sit low and out of the way, and the optional wireless charging pad leans back at an angle, making it easy to use while driving. The curved display panel that runs from behind the steering wheel to the center of the dash is easy to read and offers different instrumentation designs and navigation, media, and climate controls.

Overall, the BMW X1 is a nice little SUV that presents a tempting entrance point into German-made automobiles. It has a quiet and comfortable ride, a stylish and contemporary interior, and a respectable level of performance, but it might not be as exciting to drive as some other cars in its class. All-wheel drive is now a standard feature and improves traction and grip on the road.